Tatar argues for greater EU funding for Turkish Cypriots

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar argued on Friday that the north should receive up to 30 per cent of the €1bn in EU funds being made available to Cyprus.

He further stated that it is an injustice against the Turkish Cypriots for all the EU funds to be handed out solely to the Greek Cypriots, saying his community has not received the support it deserves.

Tatar made the argument during a meeting with EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira, who visited the island – having previously met with President Nicos Anastasiades. During her meeting with Anastasiades, a ceremony was held to promote the approval of Cyprus’ social cohesion policy programme Thalia 2021-2017.

The total amount for the implementation of the Thalia programme amounts to €1.8bn, with a national contribution of €840m.

The Cyprus News Agency carried Tatar’s comments in which he made the case for greater EU funding – referencing the reunification of Germany, where funding was focused on the east to bring up to similar levels as that of the west.

He further stated that the north should receive more than 30 per cent of the funding as it has suffered under the long-standing embargo, while the Greek Cypriot side developed as it received support from the whole world.